The Boston Celtics spent the offseason reshaping their roster and resetting under the second apron. Brad Stevens and new owner Bill Chisholm kept their focus on flexibility, with the front office now positioned to strike in 2026.
That reset has already sparked speculation about who Boston might chase once the cap sheet clears. In a recent piece, CelticsBlog’s Jack Anderson floated a familiar name: Kristaps Porzingis.
Why a Celtics Reunion Could Make Sense
Porzingis’ first stint in Boston ended with frustration. Injuries robbed him of the chance to contribute in the 2024 playoffs, and he was eventually moved in the financial reset. More recently, he revealed that the illness that sidelined him in those playoffs has cleared, though he still does not know exactly what it was, per Ohm Youngmisuk.
When healthy, Porzingis fit seamlessly alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. He stretched the floor, protected the rim, and gave Boston a unique two-way weapon. At Atlanta Hawks Media Day, he reminded reporters of that impact: “I had my best shooting season last year. I look forward to doing that again, if not better.” — via Zach Langley on X.
If his market dips and he becomes available closer to the mid-level exception (around $14 million), a reunion could make sense.
Reality Check for the Celtics
The truth is, the odds are slim. Boston traded Porzingis when his value was low, and he is already showing signs of bouncing back. He averaged 20.2 points and 8.7 rebounds for Latvia at EuroBasket. He is also entering a contract year, which usually brings out the best in players.
Former NBA guard Jeff Teague explained it on the Club 520 Podcast:
“The Hawks are going to make the playoffs, conference finals without a doubt… Have Porzingis spread, pause. He about to be lining up half-court shooting threes. Trae Young going to have all this room to operate… Porzingis? Bro, he in contract year, you know how this go. He ‘bout to play 70 games.”
If that version of Porzingis shows up, his price will likely soar beyond Boston’s reach.
Why Porzingis Could Still Be Open to Boston
One thing Boston has going for it is how much Porzingis enjoyed being a Celtic. He bought into the culture, fit in with the locker room, and spoke often about how much he liked playing for the franchise. Even after being traded, it is not hard to imagine him keeping the door open to a return.
What It Means Going Forward
The Celtics did not reset their books just to save money. With Tatum sidelined and second-apron penalties looming, Stevens and the front office made painful choices to preserve long-term flexibility. The plan is to create room for impact additions in 2026.
A Porzingis reunion would be a surprise. For it to happen, his market would need to dip considerably. More likely, he shines in a contract year and prices himself out of Boston’s plans.